Before anyone realized it, the other department heads had filtered out of the conference room, leaving only Karin and a handful of design division managers behind.
They were deep in discussion with Niamh, carefully dissecting the improvements to the new product line’s manufacturing process.
Although Niamh was technically from the PO department, her colleagues from that team didn’t appear proud of her achievements. On the contrary, each of them looked defeated and dispirited–including Marina.
“What’s wrong?” Jonathan noticed the cloud over Marina’s face beside him.
Without a word, Marina grabbed Jonathan’s hand and tugged him into a quiet
corner.
“Jonathan, I’m only telling you,” she whispered, glancing around. “The new technique Niamh just presented? That was my idea.”
“What?” Jonathan’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Shh!” Marina pressed a finger to her lips. “Niamh came to me, asking for advice on her design. I didn’t think much of it, just chatted through some ideas–this new technique included. I never imagined she’d stand up in the meeting and present it as her own.”
Tears welled in Marina’s eyes, and Jonathan immediately turned to leave.
“Jonathan, where are you going?”
She caught his wrist, desperate.
“I’m going to set things straight,” he said, resolute.
“No–please, don’t.” Marina clung to his arm. “You know how close Niamh is with Mr. Peter. Everyone in the company’s gossiping about their… relationship. Someone even said they saw Mr. Peter hugging Niamh by her desk during lunch. Even if you tell the truth, who’s going to believe me? And after you leave, I don’t even want to think about how Mr. Peter might retaliate…”
IL
Her voice grew quieter with each word. Just then, the meeting ended and Niamh stepped out of the conference room.
She turned and spotted Jonathan and Marina in the corner, their hands still linked.
1/2
20.02
Chapter 46
Jonathan met her gaze, his eyes full of contempt.
Niamh had hoped that, after seeing her designs, Jonathan would at least acknowledge she was capable of more than just being a housewife. She didn’t expect admiration, but perhaps a little respect.
Now, she realized she’d been naive.
Pressing a hand to her stomach, Niamh quietly returned to her office.
Jonathan stayed with Marina for a while, offering comfort before leaving the FY offices.
Prescott arrived late, carrying a bag of takeout: nourishing soup and shrimp dumplings–Jonathan’s order.
“Mr. Thomas, here’s your lunch…” Prescott handed him the food, noticing Jonathan looked upset. He knew Jonathan didn’t care for this type of meal; it was clearly meant for someone else. Prescott didn’t ask questions.
Jonathan took the bag and, without a second thought, tossed it into the nearest
trash can.
Prescott was stunned but kept silent.
The truth was, Jonathan had ordered the food for Niamh. During the meeting, he’d heard her stomach rumbling and seen her clutching her abdomen. As someone who struggled with stomach issues himself, he recognized the signs–she’d skipped lunch and was in pain. That’s why he’d sent Prescott out to buy something easy on the stomach.
But after hearing Marina’s story, he realized he’d been foolish.
In the end, FY successfully developed the new technique, launching ten of Niamh’s designs onto the market. The FY–PO collection became an international hit. As a luxury brand, FY not only solidified its reputation in high–end jewelry but also made a stunning debut in the mid–to–upper tier gold jewelry market.
Yet inside FY Group, rumors continued to circulate–whispers that cast a shadow over Niamh’s achievements.
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